How to Protect Yourself from ATM Identity Theft

How to Protect Yourself from ATM Identity Theft

Most of us feel comfortable in using ATMs and that is why some us don’t even realize our financial information is rather vulnerable. Not all thieves are present online and not all of them involve hacking or data mining over the internet. In fact, there are thieves who target individuals at ATMs.

We can’t deny the fact that ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) have been a great blessing to us. They are extremely convenient considering, whenever you are in need of money, you can find one pretty much everywhere. Moreover, these ATMs are available 24/7 and are really easy to use. Although ATMs may have seemed impossible decades ago, life today seems like it would be particularly difficult without them.

Even though we might consider them as a blessing, certain issues still can’t be avoided just like other things have. When you are in need money and have decided to either drive to the nearest ATM or just walk to the one across the street, it is important to take precautionary measures to ensure that you are not making yourself vulnerable to identity theft.

Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:

Beware of skimming

Skimming is one of the most common methods that thieves use in order to collect data from an ATM. In this one, the thief attaches a certain device on the ATM. This device then allows thieves to acquire certain data like PINs, credit card numbers and cardholder’s name. Fairfax County Police’s Detective Tom Polhemus located in Virginia said that the devices that these criminals use are subtle and small. Therefore, it would be difficult to notice them. Moreover, the device is capable of functioning for 2-4 hours, which could potentially mean dozens or hundreds of cards’ details depending on how busy the area might be.

After they are done skimming a few cards, the thieves remove the device and head off to their next target ATM. These devices are usually attached using a tape or glue. Tom said that ATM users should beware of using machines with card receivers that are bulky, poorly attached to the machine or out of place. Machines with scratches, cracks and tapes should be avoided at all cost.

Check if there are cameras installed

With the continuously evolving technology, companies have been releasing smaller cameras each time. The thieves makes use of this technology by installing them near the ATM. Obviously, they are much smaller than the security cameras usually attached to an ATM. Even though it might be hard to discover the camera, you could check all sides of the ATM to check whether it has small holes where mini cameras might be installed. If you feel like something is unusual or out of place with the ATM, then it would be best to locate and use a different one and inform the bank (if it’s open) of the problem.

Check the ATM’s keypad

There are thieves that make use of keypads if skimming or placing a camera did not work out well for their criminal activity. These keypads are placed over the actual keypad of the ATM and these are really hard to detect. However, just like the tips mentioned for the cameras, look for another machine if there is something odd with the current machine you are planning to use.

Aside from the tips mentioned above, it would be better and safer to choose an ATM near a bank instead of one located on a random street corner. Moreover, always remember to cover with your hand the numbers that you press for your PIN. Always ask for receipts and keep them until you have compared it with your bank statement. No matter what precautionary measures you you choose to go with at the ATM, it’s be a good idea to use credit monitoring services as well.